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City Report · WA

Anacortes

Pop. 17,966·18th most expensive in Washington·Anacortes rents are up 11.5% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,644/mo
Year-over-Year
+11.5%
Month-over-Month
-1.7%
vs US Median
+$679
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Anacortes · $2,644
More expensive than 83% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
35% of income
MODERATE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,644/mo, rent takes about 35% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$106,000/yr
Local median income
$91,951/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Anacortes's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,230
1 BR
$1,370
2 BR
$1,790
3 BR
$2,500
4 BR+
$2,720
Research median
$1,790/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$31,728/yr
At $2,644/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 11.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+11.5% YoY, -1.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Anacortes, WA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 47.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
17,966
Median income
$91,951
Median age
50.5
Renters
30.1%
Age distribution
17.3%
14.4%
23.1%
13.2%
32%
Under 1817.3%
18–3414.4%
35–5423.1%
55–6413.2%
65+32%
Gender
49.4%
50.6%
Male49.4%
Female50.6%
Race & ethnicity
86.6%
White86.6%
Black0.6%
Hispanic5.9%
Asian1.6%
Other5.4%
Education (25+)
17.6%
32%
47.2%
No HS diploma3.2%
HS diploma17.6%
Some college32%
Bachelor's+47.2%
Housing tenure
69.9%
30.1%
Owner69.9%
Renter30.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Anacortes, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,246 → $2,644
up 17.7%
Income
$80,043 → $91,951
up 14.9%
Population
17,437 → 17,966
up 3.0%
Renter share
32.9% → 30.1%
-2.8 pts
Bachelor's+
44.5% → 47.2%
+2.7 pts
Median age
48.6 → 50.5
+1.9 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Anacortes, WA has increased from $2,246 to $2,644, a 17.7% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $80,043 to $91,951 across the same window, up 14.9% versus 2021. The population has grown by 3.0% since 2021, moving from about 17,437 residents to roughly 17,966. Renters now make up 30.1% of households, compared with 32.9% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 47.2% of adults here, versus 44.5% in 2021. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Anacortes, WA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Anacortes rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Anacortes on your salary?

At $2,644/mo, how Anacortes rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Anacortes rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Anacortes. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Anacortes

About renting in Anacortes, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Anacortes is $2,644/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,230/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,790/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,370/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,500/mo.

At 35% of local median household income ($91,951/yr), Anacortes ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 11.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Anacortes an affordable city for renters?

Anacortes is considered moderate for renters. At $2,644/mo, rent takes approximately 35% of the local median household income ($91,951/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Anacortes slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Anacortes?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $106,000/year (~$51/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,644/mo in Anacortes. The local median household income is $91,951/yr, meaning the typical Anacortes household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Anacortes?

Rent in Anacortes has increased 11.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Anacortes rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Anacortes is one of the pricier cities in Washington for rent, ranking #18 out of 110 tracked cities at $2,644/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Anacortes?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Anacortes ($2,644/mo): Oak Harbor ($1,940/mo), Bellingham ($1,976/mo), Ferndale ($2,007/mo).

What percentage of Anacortes residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.1% of Anacortes households are renters, while 69.9% are owner-occupied. Anacortes leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Anacortes rent compare to the national average?

Anacortes's median rent of $2,644/mo is $679 (35%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #18 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
35%
MODERATE

At $2,644/mo, rent takes ~35% of Anacortes's median household income ($91,951/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Anacortes 35%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Anacortes, WA

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